Veracruz

Travel Guide

Veracruz showing heritage elements and night scenes
Veracruz which includes a square or plaza
Veracruz
Veracruz
Veracruz as well as a small group of people

Mexico’s first Spanish-founded settlement is an atmospheric port city home to colonial landmarks. It is a great jumping-off point for less crowded beaches.

Veracruz (Heroica Veracruz) is a laid-back yet lively city shrouded in colonial history. Established by Hernán Cortés in 1519 as a trading port for the Viceroyalty of New Spain, Veracruz has been passed between the hands of France, Spain and the U.S. Wander its streets to discover influences of African, Caribbean, European and indigenous groups. Revel in the atmosphere of its plazas, visit battle-torn monuments and escape to quiet beaches.

Spot architectural treasures, including the Palacio Municipal and Veracruz Cathedral, at the Zócalo (main square). The square springs to life at night with marimba, mariachi and norteño music. Shop for handicrafts and sample local snacks, including seafood tacos and tamales, at Hidalgo Market.

See a slice of Mexico’s maritime heritage via artillery exhibits, model ships and battle recreations at the Naval Historical Museum. See how the city has evolved since pre-Hispanic times at the City Museum. Walk amid the ruins of the Bastion of Santiago, the last surviving section of Veracruz’s city wall.

Admire architectural treasures and observe the seafaring activity of Veracruz Harbor. Gaze up at the imposing Carranza Lighthouse, set above a neoclassical palace on the Gran Plaza del Malecón square. Watch fishing trawlers and freight ships while meandering along the Paseo Insurgentes Veracruzanos esplanade. Learn about battles and the riches of New Spain at San Juan de Ulua Castle.

Drive just south to Veracruz Aquarium, home to sea life from Africa, Asia and the Americas. Continue to Boca del Río, a gateway to golden sand beaches, riverfront parks and tropical islands. Take a daytrip to La Antigua, which for a brief period in the 1500s was the main colonial trading port in Mexico.

Reach Veracruz by flying to Veracruz International Airport, located about 6 miles (10 kilometers) southwest of the city center. Public buses connect the airport with the Zócalo. Expect mild year-round temperatures and heavy downpours from June to October. Visit in February to witness the exuberant parties of the nine-day Veracruz Carnival.

Where to stay in Veracruz

Carranza Lighthouse featuring a city and a bay or harbour

Malecon

4/5(1 area review)

Malecon is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Veracruz Aquarium or Veracruz Cathedral.

Malecon
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Vista Mar

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Vista Mar and surrounding area, you can visit Benito Juarez Auditorium and Veracruz Aquarium.

Vista Mar
Veracruz Cathedral which includes a square or plaza, a church or cathedral and performance art

Old Town Veracruz

Waterfront views, historical sites and spas highlight some of the noteworthy features of Old Town Veracruz. Make a stop by Veracruz Cathedral or Zócalo while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Old Town Veracruz
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Zona Centro

While there might not be top attractions in Zona Centro, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Veracruz Cathedral and Zócalo.

Zona Centro
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Ignacio Zaragoza

If you're spending some time in Ignacio Zaragoza, Villa del Mar Beach and Veracruzano Coral Reef System National Park are top sights worth seeing.

Ignacio Zaragoza
Naval Historical Museum which includes interior views

Faros

If you're spending some time in Faros, Veracruz Harbour and Carranza Lighthouse are top sights worth seeing.

Faros
Emporio Veracruz Hotel
Emporio Veracruz Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Paseo Del Malecon No 244, Veracruz, VER
The price is RM339 per night from 21 May to 22 May
RM339
RM400 total
21 May - 22 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Veracruz. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,274 reviews)
"We had the best time"

Reviewed on 10 May 2025

Emporio Veracruz Hotel
Hotel Gran Via
Hotel Gran Via
3 out of 5
Salvador Diaz Miron 1572, Entre Collado y Tuero Molina, Veracruz, VER
The price is RM144 per night from 19 May to 20 May
RM144
RM169 total
19 May - 20 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Veracruz. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Veracruz Harbour and Veracruz Aquarium ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"N/A"

Reviewed on 3 May 2025

Hotel Gran Via
Lithio Hotel
Lithio Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Avenida Rafael Cuervo 730, Col. Playa Linda, Veracruz, VER
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM288 per night from 13 May to 14 May
RM288
RM339 total
13 May - 14 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Veracruz. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (529 reviews)
"The breakfast buffet was delicios. The staff was very friendly. I would definately stay here again."

Reviewed on 26 Apr 2025

Lithio Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Terra Residencial by Vecino Stays
Terra Residencial by Vecino Stays
4 out of 5
361 Héroes de Puebla Ignacio Zaragoza, Veracruz, Ver.
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Veracruz. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Veracruz Harbour and Veracruz Aquarium are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (24 reviews)
"Great place to stay at. Cannot wait to be back."

Reviewed on 24 Apr 2025

Terra Residencial by Vecino Stays
Suites Brisa Marina - Playa Regatas y Malecón
Suites Brisa Marina - Playa Regatas y Malecón
3 out of 5
1076 Xicoténcatl Ricardo Flores Magón, Veracruz, Ver.
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Veracruz. Enjoy free WiFi, Netflix, and premium TV channels. Popular attractions Veracruz Harbour and Veracruz Aquarium are ...
"muy bien equipada"

Reviewed on 27 Oct 2024

Suites Brisa Marina - Playa Regatas y Malecón
Hermosa Casa Con Laguna Y Alberca
Hermosa Casa Con Laguna Y Alberca
2 out of 5
Veracruz
Stay at this vacation home in Veracruz. Enjoy a garden and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Veracruz Harbour and Plaza Las Americas Shopping Mall are located ...
Hermosa Casa Con Laguna Y Alberca
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do